The Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway might be getting a new designation, as the Interstate 69 project gains momentum.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is currently conducting a study to determine whether the southern portion of the parkway could possibly receive Interstate status. A similar study has already been conducted on the northern portion, which is now considered a future I-69 corridor.

Christian County Chamber of Commerce President Carter Hendricks said the new designation could give the region a big economic boost.

“Having that Interstate designation just simply puts you on the literal map for more drivers to be considering the routes they’re going to take to go from point A to point B,” Hendricks said. “And in addition, it certainly creates more marketability from an economic development perspective.”

The KYTC is analyzing the parkway infrastructure and determining if it’s suitable for Interstate designation. Hendricks estimates the study should take another eight months.

The southern portion of the Pennyrile Parkway runs about 38 miles, south of the Western Kentucky Parkway interchange all the way to I-24.